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What To Wear to Royal Ascot
Royal Ascot is more than just a racing event, it is a British institution. Founded by Queen Anne in 1711, it’s held each June with the Royal Meeting attended by members of the Royal Family. Said to be a favourite of Queen Elizabeth II, Ascot week is an exciting mix of world-class racing and high-class fashion with one of the most formal and distinctive dress codes in the UK.
If you’re heading to Royal Ascot this year, what you wear depends on your enclosure. Prepare for the day with our top picks for each area so you can enjoy the day without a second thought.
The Royal Ascot Dress Code: The Essentials
Before we start, it’s important to note that there are several items of clothing that aren’t permitted at Ascot, no matter what area you’re in. Steer clear of fancy dress, brand logos, trainers, shorts or denim, although patterns of a patriotic nature, for example a national flag, are acceptable - even in the Royal Enclosure. Black socks that cover the ankle must also be worn in the smarter enclosures. Cravats, bow ties and neckerchiefs aren’t permitted either, so if these are your style go-tos you’ll need to save them for the Village Enclosure.
The Royal Enclosure
The dress code at the Royal Enclosure is one of the most traditional and closely observed by those with an invite. It is the only enclosure that requires full morning dress in black, grey or navy, including a morning coat, waistcoat, tie and a black or grey top hat, finished with black dress shoes. As the most exclusive area of Ascot, it’s worth planning your outfit well in advance for this enclosure as hiring or buying a morning suit is essential. Interestingly, the guidelines also specify that you can’t customise your top hat with feathers or ribbons (no matter how much you want to).
The Queen Anne Enclosure
The Queen Anne enclosure isn’t quite as strict as the Royal Enclosure dress code, but you’ll still need to don your finest suit (with or without a waistcoat) making sure the fabric and colour of your suit and trousers match. Morning dress is also allowed here but it’s not required. A collared shirt with a tie is also expected, and we recommend sticking to neutral or dark colours like navy, blue and grey. This enclosure has excellent views of the racing, and is a good spot for watching the Royal Procession go by.
Our Picks
The Alexandre Italian Super 110s Blue Twill Suit is a luxurious choice. It’s crafted from the finest Italian wool and is light enough to wear all day but retains its shape thanks to a half canvas lining. Pair it with a pale shirt, a blue silk tie and black leather derby shoes to tie it all together.
The Village Enclosure
The smart-casual Village Enclosure has a little more room for personal style. A suit jacket or blazer with a shirt and tie are essential, but your jacket and trousers don’t have to match in colour and fabric unlike in the Queen Anne Enclosure. There's a festival atmosphere in The Village, with live music and street food stalls aplenty.
Our Picks
This is where a smart blazer and tailored chinos come into their own. It’s a great opportunity to go for lighter colours and different textures, mixing and matching your favourite pieces but still keeping it smart. A navy blazer works brilliantly here, paired with stone or light beige chinos. We love a crisp white Oxford shirt to bring the look together, while tan brogues are a safe bet. Add a patterned pocket square for a pop of colour.
The Windsor Enclosure
The Windsor Enclosure is the most flexible of them all, with no formal dress code. Dressing smart is still encouraged, but you won’t need a tie unless you feel like it. A blazer or jacket with a collared shirt and polished shoes will serve you well in this area, and you can get creative with your favourite colours and textures. Although it’s a little more relaxed here, people still like to look their best with a smart jacket and shirt. The Windsor Enclosure is a popular spot for picnics, and each racegoer is allowed to bring either a bottle of champagne or sparkling wine.
Our Picks
Pair an oatmeal blazer with tailored chinos in navy for a classic race day look that still looks sophisticated enough for Ascot. A crisp pale blue shirt and brown leather derby shoes tie the look together. Finish with your favourite watch, a pair of sunglasses, and a straw hat, depending on the weather.
Our Top Tips For A Great Day At Ascot
Check the Fit
If you haven’t worn a suit in a while, it’s worth checking your measurements. The fit of your suit can make or break an entire look, so taking the time to get the right measurements is a good investment. Book a fitting in-store to get your measurements and style tips from our experts or take a look at our handy Size Guide.
Pull Your Look Together With Accessories
Small details can make a big difference to your overall look. A polished gold tie slide, silk pocket square or a sleek leather belt paired with your chinos can pull everything together. Don’t forget your sunglasses!
Plan Ahead
Ascot is an all-day event and you want to be comfortable on the day. As well as checking that your suit fits well and that you meet the dress code requirements, it’s worth breaking in new shoes beforehand and getting a good breakfast before the day starts. If the forecast looks like rain, a small umbrella will keep you dry without ruining the dress code. By planning ahead, you put comfort first for an enjoyable day.
